Whether it is the gentle elephant ride in Angkor Thom, a tuk tuk ride to a local temple or a private blessing by the Buddhist monks, this Cambodia tour encompasses the very essence of a country that is proud of its journey through history and the calm that prevails today. A tethered balloon ride over the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat is a photographers dream whilst the stop in Phnom Penh is a moment to reflect on a turbulent past and respect the changes that have occurred over time. A truly memorable tour of Cambodia that is as inspiring as it is memorable.

Day

1

2

SAT: SIEM REAP

Visit the early temples of the ancient Roluos Group. Enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside on a fun cow cart ride before stopping at the Roluos Pagoda where the Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you. Take in the spectacular aerial view of Angkor Wat on a short tethered balloon ride before enjoying a traditional Khmer welcome dinner.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

3

SUN: SIEM REAP

Today visit Angkor Thom, home of the Elephant Terrace. Climb onto the back of an elephant and ride through the ancient South Gate to the Terrace of the Leper King, the Terrace of Elephants and Bayon Temple. Visit the colourful markets and Artisans d’Angkor, a centre to assist young people find work in their local villages by continuing the practice of traditional arts. Climb on board a local tuk tuk and travel to the temple of Ta Prohm, Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

4

MON: SIEM REAP

Early morning start to catch the sunrise at the breathtaking Angkor Wat. Visit the temples of Bateay Srei, then onto to Kbal Spean, one of the earliest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Cambodia. Take a short 3km trek up the hill through dense jungle and witness amazing views over the plains. See the ‘River of 1000 Lingas’ with some remarkable stone carvings of Hindu gods and animals. On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at the Landmine Museum which serves as a rescue centre for a number of landmine amputee children. Late this afternoon, take a traditional tuk tuk to the McDermott Gallery and enjoy a welcome drink as you stroll through the gallery. Dinner tonight will be at the Foreign Correspondents Club.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

5

TUE: SIEM REAP/BATTAMBANG

Early this morning join a private boat for a fascinating journey across Tonle Sap Lake to Battambang and stay one night at the Bambu Hotel. Pass by floating villages and submerged forests and enjoy lunch on board. Explore local villages and learn how traditional rice paper and Khmer treats are made. Tonight visit the School of Music, Visual and Performing Arts, a project to provide education, support and entertainment to the poor communities.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

6

WED: BATTAMBANG/PHNOM PENH

Enjoy a four hour overland journey to Phnom Penh and stay two nights at the Himawari Hotel. Enjoy Khmer Dinner at the Charity Romdeng restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

7

THU: PHNOM PENH

Explore the city by cyclo visiting Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Visit the Infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields and learn about Cambodia’s past under the leadership of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge. Stop at the Central Market and try your hand at bargaining for souvenirs, jewellery and fabrics.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

8

FRI: PHNOM PENH/KAMPONG CHAM/KRATIE

Take a scenic drive via the mighty Mekong and hidden riverside villages to Kratie. Arrive Kampong Cham province and visit the hills of Phnom Pros (Men’s Hill) and Phnom Srei (Women’s Hill) in the Khmer language. See the colonial buildings of Kampong Cham as you stroll around town then drive to Chhup, Cambodia’s largest rubber plantation. Stay one night at Rajabori Villas Hotel on Koh Trong island.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

9

SAT: KRATIE/BANLUNG/RATANAKIRI

This morning, embark on a traditional sampan to the Kampi area which is home to the endangered Irrawaddy River Dolphin. Return to Kratie and in the afternoon, travel 4 hours by road to Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri and stay three nights at the Terres Rouges Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

10

SUN: THE TAMPOUN TERRITORY

Travel by jeep on a bumpy road to discover the surrounding waterfalls, crossing through bamboo forests to the scenic village of Voeune Sai, a Chinese enclave on Cambodian territory. Continue to the Tampoun villages by boat where you will discover that the local inhabitants still maintain their traditions of daily life. This afternoon visit the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam where you can relax on the shore and enjoy the pristine natural surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

11

MON: THE KROEUNG TERRITORY

Journey north toward the Lao border to the village of Taveng, cross a round lava field and drive through spectacular forest. Stop at Kroeung villages where you will meet the hilltribes and learn about their culture and traditions.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1

12

TUE: RATANAKIRI/PHNOM PENH

Depart early this morning for a visit to Banlung market where local produce and handicrafts are sold. Travel 8 hours by road back to Phnom Penh for one night at the Himawari Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1

13

WED: PHNOM PENH/AUSTRALIA

Farewell Cambodia as you transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home via Saigon.